Alternative Meds for Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by Rom623

There are doctors who are more integrative in practice who will work with you to lower your medication. But whatever you do, even if you do nothing, I would get a blood pressure device so you can self monitor.

I had a co-worker on a similar vitamin regimen and he had stopped monitoring his blood pressure. About 6 months after his heart attack, he got up too fast from his chair one day at work and nearly collapsed. He had improved so much, his blood pressure medication was too strong. His doctor was really surprised at his progress and lowered the dosage, but still a scary moment.

He does have a blood pressure device. We got it last year when he had a TIA. He never even know he had anything wrong with him before that--drs had never tested cholesterol and his blood pressure must have been normal because they never said anything about it.

The only thing I can think of that may have triggered this episode is that he was having trouble sleeping and the dr told him to take 5-10 mg melatonin. I have been looking that up and apparently it CAN interfere with blood pressure medication although most times it says it has no effect and is perfectly safe. He won't be taking melatonin again.

Thanks for the good wishes and ideas, everyone.